Clemson football: 3 takeaways from huge comeback win over Syracuse

Oct 22, 2022; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) runs for a 50-yard touchdown against Syracuse during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 22, 2022; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) runs near Syracuse linebacker Marlowe Wax (2) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Cade Klubnik is fun to watch

Coming in to replace starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei in the third quarter down by 11 points is a daunting task for a freshman. But Cade Klubnik is not your typical freshman.

The former five-star and No. 1 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class was outstanding for the Tigers, leading a comeback effort in a matter of minutes, injecting new life into the team. He led Clemson to 17 points in the fourth quarter as the Tigers were able to hold on after trailing for most of the game.

Though he didn’t have to pass much (2-for-4 with 19 yards), he was in command of the offense and had some really nice quarterback runs and even baited a huge late hit out of bounds on third-and-long against the Syracuse defense. He only accounted for 34 yards but it just felt like the entire offense fed off his energy.

Dabo Swinney said after the game that DJ Uiagalelei is still his starting quarterback and made sure to emphasize that, but Klubnik is going to be fun for years to come — unless, of course, you’re an ACC foe.

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